The One Thing Study is a simple and powerful way to read the Bible. It's highly transferable and easy to pass to your disciples. It has three parts. Together they spell the word O.N.E.
O = Observe.
Read at least a passage of Scripture. The Bible divides into books, chapters, passages, and verses. Passages are marked with bold or italicized headings and usually contain one or more paragraphs. A passage is the basic unit of thought in the Bible. If you're starting, we suggest choosing a book in the New Testament. Regardless of which book you choose, read through it, beginning to end, over time.
N = Note.
Mark the One Thing that speaks to your heart the most. It may be a word, phrase, or sentence. Underline it, highlight it, or circle it. Whatever you do, make sure you mark it. Marking your One Thing allows easy access for personal reflection or sharing with others.
E = Express.
Let God's word generate a response. It may be a prayer of thanksgiving or a confession of sin. It may be a question to ask or an appeal for help. It may be an act of obedience or repentance. Regardless, the result should be a truth that renews your mind throughout the day. Doing One Thing Studies over time is transforming.
O = Observe.
Read at least a passage of Scripture. The Bible divides into books, chapters, passages, and verses. Passages are marked with bold or italicized headings and usually contain one or more paragraphs. A passage is the basic unit of thought in the Bible. If you're starting, we suggest choosing a book in the New Testament. Regardless of which book you choose, read through it, beginning to end, over time.
N = Note.
Mark the One Thing that speaks to your heart the most. It may be a word, phrase, or sentence. Underline it, highlight it, or circle it. Whatever you do, make sure you mark it. Marking your One Thing allows easy access for personal reflection or sharing with others.
E = Express.
Let God's word generate a response. It may be a prayer of thanksgiving or a confession of sin. It may be a question to ask or an appeal for help. It may be an act of obedience or repentance. Regardless, the result should be a truth that renews your mind throughout the day. Doing One Thing Studies over time is transforming.
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The One Thing Study is powerful. Don't confuse simple with shallow. The One Thing Study is life-changing because it connects the reader to the exact words God wants them to know. Devotionals may be helpful, but at best, they consist of words someone else selects. The One Thing study is the exact words chosen for you by the Holy Spirit. Meditating on that throughout the day, over time, is life-changing. Psalm 19:7-14; 119:103; 2 Timothy 3:15-17
The One Thing Study is beneficial. Reading Scripture snaps us from a temporal into an eternal perspective. It mutes the external and internal noises in our life. It directs us to demonstrate love and disclose the truth. It prompts us to worship. The goal of a One Thing Study is reverent love.
The One Thing Study is foundational. Disciple-making is vertical before it's horizontal— worship precedes witness. What we experience with God personally determines what we express about God publicly.
The One Thing Study is a priority. It can be the first tool to teach a new disciple. Remember the saying, "Give a man a fish and feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and feed him for life?" Showing someone how to do a One Thing Study is like teaching them to fish; it's feeding them for life.
The One Thing Study is practical. Pray your One Thing over your family, other people, and issues of the day.
The One Thing Study is a personal, not daily devotional tool. Perfectionists must avoid not doing several One Thing Studies if they miss a day or two. Also, don't always strive to please God by doing something. Learn to rest in His grace by being thankful. Loafers need to be careful about going through the motions. You'll get out of this what you put into it. As Rick Warren says, "We are as spiritually mature as we choose to be."
The One Thing Study is revealing. Listening to someone share their One Thing Study is like putting a spiritual stethoscope against their heart. It displays the true nature of their relationship with God.
The One Thing Study is beneficial. Reading Scripture snaps us from a temporal into an eternal perspective. It mutes the external and internal noises in our life. It directs us to demonstrate love and disclose the truth. It prompts us to worship. The goal of a One Thing Study is reverent love.
The One Thing Study is foundational. Disciple-making is vertical before it's horizontal— worship precedes witness. What we experience with God personally determines what we express about God publicly.
The One Thing Study is a priority. It can be the first tool to teach a new disciple. Remember the saying, "Give a man a fish and feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and feed him for life?" Showing someone how to do a One Thing Study is like teaching them to fish; it's feeding them for life.
The One Thing Study is practical. Pray your One Thing over your family, other people, and issues of the day.
The One Thing Study is a personal, not daily devotional tool. Perfectionists must avoid not doing several One Thing Studies if they miss a day or two. Also, don't always strive to please God by doing something. Learn to rest in His grace by being thankful. Loafers need to be careful about going through the motions. You'll get out of this what you put into it. As Rick Warren says, "We are as spiritually mature as we choose to be."
The One Thing Study is revealing. Listening to someone share their One Thing Study is like putting a spiritual stethoscope against their heart. It displays the true nature of their relationship with God.
Resources
- Watch The Bible Is Alive (2:09)
- View DMM Resources